Case Study: From Overstimulated to Joyful — A Postpartum Mother’s Journey with the Rest & Restore Protocol

Postpartum Mother Case Study: Client Background and Key Goals

• Demographic: Mother of four, youngest child 7 months old

• Timeline: Completed Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP) in 2.5 weeks

• Primary Concerns: Panic attacks, agitation, overstimulation

• Intentions: Improve sleep and build internal resources for resilience

Postpartum Overwhelm: Panic, Agitation, and Sensory Overload

When this postpartum mother began the RRP, she was deeply overstimulated. Parenting four children—while only seven months postpartum herself—had left her nervous system on high alert.

She described a familiar pattern of panic and agitation triggered by constant demands on her time and energy.

“There’s this feeling like everyone needs me right now—but I need space.”

Her nervous system was firing on all cylinders, and she felt like she was sacrificing herself for everyone else. She wasn’t sleeping well, couldn’t access rest, and felt depleted—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Why She Chose the Rest & Restore Protocol for Postpartum Stress

Instead of trying to “think” her way through burnout, she chose the RRP to help her body lead the healing. Her goals were simple but powerful:

• Sleep better

• Feel more grounded

• Build internal resources to navigate the chaos

• Reconnect with herself—not just as a mother, but as a person

What It’s Like to Use the Rest & Restore Protocol (Week by Week)

From the very first track, she noticed something shifting.

“The introduction left me feeling very tingly—lots of sensations throughout my body. I have a fine-tuned relationship with my body, so I noticed it immediately.”

She was familiar with somatic sensations, but the difference this time was how they felt.

“I’m used to this feeling of electricity throughout, especially when I’m overstimulated. But this time, it was warm and positive. That was really interesting to me.”

Even when sessions were interrupted—by kids in the hallway or a partner needing support—she noticed she could settle more easily afterward and carry that sense of calm into her evening.

“I went to bed feeling really good—just kind of back home to myself.”

Postpartum Nervous System Healing: When Joy Comes Back

By the second full track, the changes became even more profound.

“About half an hour afterward, I started to feel joy. And it wasn’t because I was doing anything—it just came. Like my body had space again.”

That spontaneous joy felt like a long-lost friend.

“It sounds silly, but I just felt good being alive. It feels like such relief to be back in touch with some goodness.”

She described it as a return to her “natural frequency”—the sense of aliveness, inspiration, and self-connection that had been dulled by months of survival mode.

“My natural way of being is joyful, spacious, connected. And that’s what’s coming back. After a very squeezy season, this feels like a big win.”

Results of the Rest & Restore Protocol for New Moms

• Panic softened: Less intensity and more capacity to self-regulate

• Sleep improved: Even short rest periods felt more restorative

• Body felt safer: Somatic sensations shifted from alarm to warmth

• Joy returned: Not forced—spontaneous and embodied

• Self-trust reclaimed: She began to prioritize her needs without apology

Somatic Support for New Mothers: Gentle Tools for Real Relief

This mother didn’t need more discipline, mindset tools, or productivity hacks—she needed rhythm, nervous system safety, and internal spaciousness.

The Rest & Restore Protocol offered a quiet pathway back to herself—on her own terms, in her own time.

“It’s carrying through the day. I feel grounded, clear, aligned. More myself.”

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✍️ About the Author

Andrea Goodwin is a Somatic Coach and the founder of Retune Health, a science-backed, heart-centered wellness practice that helps high achievers and wellness seekers regulate their nervous systems, release subconscious stress patterns, and restore balance in body, mind, and spirit.

With over 20 years of experience as a healthcare executive, Andrea brings a unique blend of real-world leadership, clinical insight, and holistic care to her work. Because burnout and overwhelm show up in our bodies, minds, and energy, she offers deeply personalized, mind-body-spirit support to help clients feel more grounded, clear, and alive — often in ways they never thought possible.

Through 1:1 sessions, group programs, and integrative experiences, Andrea guides clients toward a more intuitive, connected, and joyful way of being.

🌿 Explore sessions or subscribe to the newsletter at www.retunehealth.com

📍 Based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago | Virtual sessions available worldwide